Every World Cup match will be telecast live on either ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC. If you prefer to leave your couch for a more communal Cup-watching experience, bars and restaurants across the Triangle - as well as a Cary movie theater and a Raleigh indoor-soccer facility - plan to screen most Cup games. Here's an incomplete list of pubs and other venues where you might find soccer fans of various nationalities flocking to watch:
APEX
Tyler's Restaurant and Taproom: 1483 Beaver Creek Commons, Apex
919-355-1380; www.tylerstaproom.com
Opening early for all 10 a.m. matches. Carolina RailHawks players will be at Tyler's Taproom watching Wednesday's U.S.-Algeria match.
CARY
Bavarian Brathaus: 6464 Tryon Road; 919-859-5299; www.bavarianbrathauscary.com
Look for German fans to hit an early breakfast buffet (opening at 7:15 a.m.) on June 18 in advance of Germany's 7:30 a.m. game against Serbia.
Galaxy Cinema: 770 Cary Towne Boulevard; 919-463-9989; www.mygalaxycinema.com/worldcup.php
Tickets are free, but seating is limited for screenings of select matches, starting with Saturday's U.S.-England match (2:30 p.m.).
Hibernian Pub: 1144 Kildaire Farm Road; 919-467-9000; www.hibernianpub.com.
Offering specials and giveaways throughout the tournament.
CHAPEL HILL
Italian Pizzeria III: 508 W. Franklin St.; Chapel Hill; 968-4671; www.italianpizzeria3.com
A popular spot to watch international soccer, especially when Italy is playing (first World Cup match Monday, 2:30 p.m. vs. Paraguay). Appearances by Carolina RailHawks players Saturday during U.S.-England match (2:30 p.m.).
DURHAM
Bull McCabes Irish Pub: 427 W. Main St.; 682-3061; www.bullmccabesirishpub.com
Opening early for morning matches, including today's Cup opener between South Africa and Mexico (10 a.m.) Appearances by Carolina RailHawks players Saturday during U.S.-England match.
Honduras Restaurant: 1121 University Drive
Early risers from the Triangle Soccer Fanatics club will gather here with Honduran soccer fans for Wednesday's Honduras-Chile match (7:30 a.m.), as well as on June 21 for the Honduras-Spain game (2:30 p.m.).
GARNER
Buffalo Wild Wings: 148 Shenstone Blvd. (off Highway 70); 919-661-5238
Opening at 9:30 a.m. every day during the World Cup, with more than 30 TVs dedicated to Cup matches. Food discounts offered for fans displaying their "soccer pride" with flag or shirt.
RALEIGH
Backyard Bistro: 1235 Hurricane Alley Way; ph: 919-851-6203; www.backyardbistro.com
Appearances Saturday by Carolina RailHawks players and Swoops, the RailHawks' mascot, during U.S.-England match.
Crabtree Tavern: 5300 Homewood Banks Dr.; 919-532-7100; www.crabtreetavern.com
Opening at 10 a.m. for Saturday's U.S.-England match (2:30 p.m.).
Hibernian Pub: 311 Glenwood Ave.; 919-833-2258; www.hibernianpub.com.
Offering specials and giveaways throughout the tournament.
The Oxford: 319 Fayetteville St.; 919-832-6622; www.oxfordraleigh.com
Opening at 10am on all World Cup game days, with free coffee and Danishes during morning games. Private room available to reserve to watch games.
Midtown Restaurant & Bar 115: 4421-115 Six Forks Road (North Hills); 919-782-9463; www.midtownandbar115.com
Offering specials related to teams playing on particular days, such as Newcastle Brown Ale and shepherd's pie during England's matches. South African wines available, as well as 60-inch flat screen TV in private dining room.
Tir na nOg: 218 S. Blount St, Raleigh; 833-7795; www.tnnirishpub.com
Drink and food specials during Saturday's U.S.-England match, along with appearances by Carolina RailHawks players.
Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant: 10370 Moncreiffe Road, No. 109 (Brier Creek); 919-544-4141; www.traliirishpub.com
Home base for the Triangle Soccer Fanatics club; appearances Saturday by Carolina RailHawks players during the U.S.-England match.
Sammy's Tap and Grill: 2235 Avent Ferry Road; 919-755-3880; www.sammysncsu.com
Will open early for select 10 a.m. matches. (Check website for details.)
XL Soccer World: 5600 Hillsborough Street; 919-859-2997; www.xlsoccerworld.com
Live matches plus same-day recordings show in evenings; $2 domestic beers until first goal scored for every live match.
